Cross Border Criminalities and Insecurity Crisis in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis of International Borders in Cross River State

Abstract

The study, titled Cross Border Criminalities and Insecurity Crisis in Nigeria: Empirical Analysis of International Border in Cross River State, was conducted with the primary goal of determining the extent to which cross-border criminality in Cross River State influences state insecurity. Specifically, the study attempted to investigate the impact of illegal immigrants, illegal arms trafficking, and illicit drug smuggling on national security. Extant literatures were consulted and reviewed in accordance with the study's aims. The social disorganization theory and ungoverned space theory were used to critically examine the existence and impact of cross-border criminality on the trend of insecurity in Nigeria. The study used a cross-sectional research design, and the target area was Bakassi and Ikom Local Government Area. The choosing of these places was primarily due to the fact that they both share borders with Cameroon. The study's population consisted of people who lived in these target areas. Taro Yamen's statistical technique was utilized to determine a sample size of 400. The questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool. Simple percentages and population t-tests were used for analysis. According to the analysis conducted, there is a substantial association between the surge of illegal immigrants, illegal arms trafficking, and illicit drug smuggling, as well as the insecurity situation in Cross River State. As a result, the report suggests that various security operators in border regions use modern security measures, as well as boost community policing in various border communities.